Chemotherapy and Infusion

If your doctors have recommended chemotherapy to treat your cancer, you may have many questions. How does chemotherapy work? How hard are the side effects? Although the mix of anticancer medications and side effects differ from person to person, one thing is the same: Our commitment to do everything we can to keep you comfortable and feeling well as you heal.

What is chemotherapy?

For many people, the word “chemotherapy” can be as concerning as cancer itself. It may help you to think of chemotherapy as medicine, or a combination of medicines. Chemotherapy has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. In most cases, chemo works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to grow and reproduce.

Chemotherapy may be used alone for some types of cancer, but is usually used in combination with other treatments such as radiation or surgery. Often, a mix of chemotherapy medicines is administered to fight a specific cancer. Certain medicines may be given in a specific order depending on the type of cancer they’re being used to treat

Side effects of chemotherapy

You’ve likely heard or read about the common side effects of chemotherapy, or known someone who has experienced them. These occur in part because chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, which include healthy cells as well as harmful ones. Side effects may include:

Nausea and vomiting

Decreased appetite

Sores in the mouth

Diarrhea

Feeling tired

Increased chance of infection

Loss of hair

Easy bruising

Tingling, burning sensations, or numbness in the hands or feet

The severity of side effects can range significantly from person to person. Our team uses a variety of techniques to prevent, minimize and manage side effects and help you cope.

How is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy can be given:

As a pill to swallow

As an injection (shot) into the muscle or fat tissue

Intravenously (directly to the bloodstream; also called IV or infusion therapy)

Topically (applied to the skin)

Directly into a body cavity

To reduce the damage to healthy cells and give them a chance to recover, chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given daily, weekly, every few weeks or monthly, depending on your situation.

Infusion therapy

You may receive chemotherapy through infusion (IV) therapy, where therapies and medications are administered directly into your bloodstream. Infusion chemotherapy usually takes place in an outpatient setting like a hospital, clinic or healthcare provider's office, where you’ll be watched for reactions during treatment. Since chemo sessions last for a while, you’re encouraged to bring things that help you relax and pass the time, such as a book, a deck of cards or a music player with earphones. Plan on having someone drive you to and from your appointment as it’s hard to predict how you’ll feel after each treatment.

Oral chemotherapy

Every year, new drugs are approved for the treatment of cancer, and one of the most rapidly growing fields is oral chemotherapy. It offers many advantages over traditional chemotherapy, including the ability to take your medication at home. If oral chemotherapy is right for you, your doctor or a specialized pharmacist will provide you with everything you need to administer it at home.
Our pharmacy has received a Joint Commission Home Care accreditation, recognizing our ability to equip you with the education and support you need to successfully complete this treatment option. In addition, our pharmacy has a system in place to help you afford your oral chemo medications, through drug company assistance and foundation funding.

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Our facilities do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services or activities, or on the basis of sex (gender) in health programs and activities. Read the full notice: Saint Joseph Hospital Notice of Nondiscrimination